I really enjoyed hearing the word translations of our guest speaker in class as she addressed the issue of 1 Timothy. I found it extremely insightful and eye opening to understand what those English words were really meant to mean in their original language. As the author described how men were oppressing women during the time, the author also mentioned how women at times became oppressive of men in certain situations, like the Temple of Diana. It creates a sense of equality between the two genders, as if to say 'listen people, perhaps both of us aren't perfect, yet we need each other.' What I also learned that was amazing to me was the concept that what the author really meant by being quiet and submission was actually granting women a place of honor to learn. It was an honor to sit at a person's feet to learn from them, as you remained quiet. For the author to tell the receptionist of this letter to allow a woman to do that must of been a tad radical! And then, once the person, male or female, had been prepared enough in their relationship with Christ, they were allowed to go out and preach, what a great thing!
What does this mean for our Church now? I think it is obvious what this means, but my question is really why has the translation of 1 Timothy 2 been ignored by so many? When I say many, I'm really thinking of every man I have learned Scripture from. Actually, why stop at men, women also haven't taught me this. If we take Paul's words so literally all the time, some might ask even more than Jesus', why don't we know the real meaning behind these words?
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